6 years ago

7 Tips for Road Trips with Kids

Road Trips with Kids

Everyone has fond memories of a family road trip. Hour after hour in the car, singing songs, frequenting rest stops, and perhaps the occasional family bickering. Family road trips are half the fun when traveling, although they can carry a little stress on the side as well. This summer, if you are planning a family road trip, you will want some tips and tricks to make it a fun, frugal, and peaceful trip the whole family can enjoy. Keeping children occupied can pose a problem, so be prepared. Below, you will find seven tips to help make your road trip a successful one that your family will talk about for years.

Family road trips are some of the most memorable trips a family can make together. So this summer, try some of the tips below and make it the best one yet! You will find how easy it is to keep the kids entertained and happy while you feel peaceful and calm. You don’t need to spend a great deal of time, or invest a great deal of money to do so either. Take a look!

SevenTips for Keeping Kids Entertained on a Road Trip:

1. Have a pre trip conference.

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Now is the time to sit the kids down and debrief them about the trip. Explain to them the destination, and show them a map so they can have a visual. Look up info online together and answer any questions they have. Then, talk to them about car safety, how seat belts must be worn at all times and voices should be quieter ones for safety’s sake. Let them know what you expect behavior wise and how you appreciate their help!

2. Pack activity bags.

Each child should have an activity bag of their own books, crayons, papers, etc. These items can all be found at dollar stores and make the trip easier. Giving them each their own also keeps arguments to a minimum. Each child’s bag can be labeled or even decorated ahead of time by them. Allow them to peruse the dollar store and grab a few items that appeal to them and will occupy their time. Even workbooks can be fun if you offer to give them a small allowance to spend on the trip for each number of pages they finish.

3. Bring on the snacks.

Nothing occupies children like food. Pack a cooler of plenty of snacks that are full of fiber and sure to keep them full. This will help you avoid pricey rest stop snacks and allow them to eat healthy. Turkey sandwiches, celery and peanut butter, cheese sticks, bags of cereal, etc. are all great and tasty choices. Have fun with your food! They can each also have their own water bottle to fill up at each stop. This will save on drink purchases. Bring drink mixes for some extra flavor if you wish.

4. Play car games.

You remember these, don’t you? Play “I Spy” where a person finds an object and the others have to guess what it is. Play charades, hang man, or a form of bingo. For example each person picks a car make/model and the first person who spots five of that make/model wins. These games are silly, fun, and free!

5. Pack disposable cameras.

Pack cheap disposable cameras for each child to document the trip. Let them use it in the car, at rest stops, and just on the journey as a whole. They will love documenting the trip through their own eyes and can make their own scrapbook upon returning. How fun is that? You can find these at your local dollar store.

6. Celebrate milestones.

Have a small celebration complete with cookies, noise makers, and fun hats from the dollar store each time you enter a new state or reach 100 miles. This will give kids something to look forward to and help divide up the trip for them. Get silly and make a big fuss over these little things. Kids will eat it up!

7. Take advantage of free apps.

There are so many free smart phone and iPad/tablet apps out there so take advantage of them. Stock up prior to your trip so they are new to the children and occupy some time. If you are limited on devices, give each child a few coupons prior to leaving giving them 20 minutes of play time. They can redeem these on the trip, allowing everyone to share and giving you some peace. Also, it keeps kids from spending the whole time on such devices.

Are you excited to jump in the car now? With these tips, your family won’t want to get out of the car! These tips and tricks will keep them occupied, fed, and happy. And the end result is you will enjoy a peaceful car ride that will zoom on by!

Make those family memories with an all American road trip. Now that you know how to make it fun for the kids, it is going to be even better. Happy and safe travels!